Cushat Wood

The trees here are proper dense. Cushat Wood near Hexham is one of those quiet Northumberland forests where you can actually hear yourself think - no theme park hustle, no gift shop, just woodland doing what woodland does best. The walk winds through mixed woodland with a stream running alongside parts of it, and on a grey afternoon in October the light filtering through the canopy is genuinely lovely.

This is a walker's spot rather than a destination where you'll spend half a day. Allow an hour to ninety minutes depending on which paths you choose. The terrain is manageable underfoot but can get muddy after rain, so proper boots worth the bother. Kids who enjoy spotting wildlife and scrambling about on fallen logs will get something out of it; those wanting dramatic views or a waterfall moment might find it a bit understated.

The nearest proper base is Hexham itself, a market town with decent cafes and pubs worth visiting before or after. If you're stopping in the area and fancy a walk that won't exhaust you, Cushat Wood fits the bill. It's free to access - no admission charge, no barriers - which is refreshing. Sycamore Glamping Pods sits about five miles away if you want to make a proper weekend of exploring Northumberland's forests and rivers.

Go early morning if you can, when the place feels entirely to yourself.